Why Golf?

Experiences are our greatest teacher. First Tee believes in developing the ones that are just as fun as they are meaningful, where kids feel excited to grow, safe to fail, and better equipped for whatever comes their way next. Through our personal growth and junior golf programs, we see kids’ build self confidence, inspiring more active participation in leadership opportunities and events, community involvement, and college scholarships.

National Opportunities:

First Tee doesn’t just get kids on the course, it offers them exciting opportunities for growth. With the help of our corporate partners, we host a series of events for our participants, allowing them to meet new people, play some golf,  and achieve greatness. Descriptions and selected individuals are listed in the dropdown boxes below.

Golf & Leadership Events

First Tee Leadership Academy in Partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore | June 17-22
In partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore, First Tee Leadership Academy builds on the 5-week local Leadership Series and provides selected teens insight on how successful teams perform. This opportunity is only for chapter teens in PGA TOUR Superstore markets.

First Tee National Championship | June 23-27
The First Tee National Championship will be held at Clemson University, bringing together First Tee’s elite players for an opportunity to showcase how the program has helped build the strength of character needed to play at the collegiate or next level.

Game Changers Academy Honoring Joe Louis Barrow, Jr | July 9-13
Participants selected to attend this five-day learning and empowerment academy will participate in important conversations around issues of identity, racism, diversity, equity and inclusion. The academy builds throughout the week into a final outreach project in collaboration with DE&I leadership in the local host community.

Participant Advisory Council | July 22-24
First Tee Participant Advisory Council (PAC) advises HQ on matters pertinent to all First Tee participants. It is critical for youth to be heard, and the PAC provides an important forum for youth to express themselves, voice their ideas, and provide input for projects or programs that impact the experience of all First Tee participants.

First Tee Leadership Summit in partnership with PGA TOUR Superstore | August 5-9; August 12-16
The Leadership Summit is designed to strengthen the participants leadership skills through dynamic outdoor and team-building activities, preparing them to transfer those skills to other scenarios they will face in the future. The teens will also participate in collaborative workshops in which they will be influenced to challenge their conceptions of transformational leadership. This opportunity is only for chapter teens in PGA TOUR Superstore markets.

PURE Insurance Championship Impacting First Tee | September 17-22
An official PGA TOUR Champions event at Pebble Beach Golf Links, the tournament pairs top participants from First Tee with a PGA TOUR Champions player and amateurs. To be selected, juniors are measured in both golf ability and their knowledge of the First Tee life skills curriculum. The tournament is televised on Golf Channel.

John Deere Drive Your Future Academy | October 10-14
This all-girls event focuses on leadership development, remaining active in the game of golf, learning the value/impact of volunteerism, and recognizing the importance of teamwork.

First Tee Innovators Forum | November 17-21
The Innovators Forum sets to empower First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focusing on raising awareness on global issues focusing on education, health, and sustainability.

Academic Recognition

First Tee College Scholarship Program

The Scholar Program is designed to provide further support, life skill development and mentorship of our alumni through their journey. Higher education continues to be a critical factor in unlocking opportunities for young people to thrive, and First Tee is committed to their success.

FTGH Selection Process:

Each year, First Tee – Greater Houston is invited to nominate a limited number of participants to apply for First Tee National Opportunities. These are once-in-a-lifetime experiences designed to support personal growth, leadership, and life skills development through golf. Our National Opportunities Selection Process typically begins in mid-January. Because each chapter is limited in the number of applicants they can submit, we have a selection process to help us identify the most eligible and prepared candidates.

Step 1: Candidate Identification

Participants who meet the general eligibility criteria will be considered for one of 24 interview spots. These initial selections are made by our chapter staff and coaches based on program involvement and engagement.

Step 2: Essay Submission

Potential candidates will receive a set of essay questions related to their experiences, goals, and involvement in First Tee. These responses will be scored and help determine who moves forward to the in-person interview stage. Important: If selected for an interview, participants must return their completed essay responses by the deadline provided.

Step 3: In-Person Interview

The top 24 participants will be invited to an in-person interview held at the Memorial Park location. During this interview:

  • Participants will meet with a panel of three judges for a 15-minute session.
  • They will be scored on appearance, communication skills, life and golf knowledge, and essay content.
  • Participants are expected to dress as they would for a job interview.

Selection Guidelines

  • Eligibility: Participants must be at least 14 years old by the date of the National Opportunity and have been active in our chapter for at least 2 years by the application deadline.
  • Participants may only apply to a maximum of two (2) National Opportunities, even if they originally selected three (3) as their top choices.
  • If a participant has previously attended a specific National Opportunity, they are not eligible to attend the same one again.
  • Final candidates are selected based on a combination of their essay scores, interview performance, and involvement in First Tee (class attendance, session history, junior mentoring, etc.).

Final Notes

We understand this may be your first time hearing about this process, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. The National Opportunities are highly competitive and valuable experiences that offer personal growth, leadership development, and the chance to represent First Tee – Greater Houston on a national stage.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Coach Maya at [email protected].